Student Interview: A Life Experience with Kaplan

Our student interview today is with Juri Ogino. She's 21 years old and originally from Japan; intrigued by life abroad, she settled on our Covent Garden school in London to study English.

“I have been having such a lovely life here, so I’m sure your life in London will be absolutely awesome as well.”

Meet Juri - a Kaplan student from Japan who is studying in London

English for your Career

Juri signed up to study a 6-month General English course at Kaplan, and, for her, the class schedule was ideal. It was the perfect balance between lessons and free time, which allowed her to balance her courses with the cultural and social side of living abroad.

“The General English course has 2 lessons per day. I really learned a lot. Moreover, I can use the rest of the time for self-study or sightseeing after class, so I have such a fulfilling day.”

The class structure at Kaplan is made up of boosting grammar, improving your reading, writing and listening skills, and working on your pronunciation. You’ll also constantly be practicing the fundamentals of the language. Group work and interactive learning are an important part of the lessons.

“I speak a lot in class, so I feel like my speaking is getting more and more natural every day. All the staff and teachers at Kaplan are friendly. I have really enjoyed it here – more than I expected.”

Study groups allow you to practice speaking English

Many students choose to study English at Kaplan, either during their university studies or just after, with the purpose of improved career prospects. International businesses, no matter where in the world they are based, usually conduct business in English, and candidates applying for a job who can speak English stand out from others.

Juri has big plans after studying with Kaplan: she needs English to further her education and has spent time at Kaplan improving her language skills. Once she's at a higher level, she wants to put her English skills to good use continuing with her education and working hard to one day build a career.

“I’m going back to university in Japan to start preparing my thesis and job hunt. I’d like to get a job where I can use my English skills. In addition, I want to travel to many countries to see the friends I met at Kaplan.”

Student Life in London

For Juri, studying in the Covent Garden School in London has been an amazing experience. Our school is set in a beautiful historic building in the heart of the city; you’ll benefit from large social spaces and a lovely outdoor garden, where you can relax between classes and make new friends.

“The school is located in central London, so it’s easy to go sightseeing, do some shopping, see the theater, and even hang out with friends. Museums and galleries are all free, so London is absolutely the right place for people who love history, art, music, and fashion!”

Make friends with your fellow Kaplan students

Aside from all the exciting things you can do while studying, you’ll also be able to meet people from all over the world and learn about their culture as well. Juri insists that all students arrive at Kaplan a little bit nervous, but the best way to tackle this is to be open and honest and share your concerns with others.

“You might get nervous and afraid at first, but everyone is the same even if they’re from a different country. Once you share your anxiety with them, it’ll change into confidence. You’ll become even more confident by living in a foreign county, seeing that many people have different cultures, and learning about their cultures. Even if you don’t speak fluently, just speak to them about your worries. Don’t be shy!”

Once you’ve overcome feeling nervous, you’ll have the opportunity to meet all types of people from all over the world and learn about different cultures. This new knowledge and exposure to a different life will enrich you and add to your Kaplan experience.

“There are many students from European countries at Kaplan Covent Garden; you can make many friends from all over the world. I really enjoy studying English together with them and understanding their culture.”